Kia started redesigning its mid-size SUV from the ground up. However, the model which has been spied testing in the Swiss Alps a few hours ago won’t be ready to hit showrooms at least one more year. Meaning, the Korean automaker will probably introduce the 2021 Kia Sorento sometime in 2020.
Interestingly, the seven-seat SUV didn’t climb up the mountain alone. Instead, the testing prototype of the 2021 Sorento had a great opponent on its tail – the BMW X5. We can’t really know what the purpose of the powerful rival was, but hopefully, the next-gen Sorento will be equally good on- and off-road as the Bavarian mighty SUV.
Judging by the newest reports, the next-gen Sorento will ride on a new platform shared with Hyundai. The architecture will reportedly make the successor slightly lighter and larger; plus, the SUV will be able to use more advanced technologies. The company will offer the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as a new topper which will exploit a 300-hp turbo-four mill. We are not sure what exactly will power the electrified SUVs, though we assume that the automaker will rely on technology that appeared with the new Niro crossover. Of course, since we are talking about a mid-size SUV, the manufacturer has to use a more powerful internal consumption option from the Niro’s 1.6-liter GDI engine. Irrespective of the option under the hood, the 2021 Kia Sorento will definitely improve driving dynamics and efficiency when compared to its predecessor. It’s quite simple: in addition to its new lightweight bones, and more efficient drivetrains, the mid-size SUV will also get a smoother 8-speed auto gearbox too.
Even though it doesn’t look so at first glance, the next generation Kia Sorento is going to undergo an extensive makeover. The revolutionary redesign will make the successor more angular and tougher. The front end seems to be boxier, while shoulders appear to be somehow sharper. At the front, the SUV sports less pronounced grille and headlights, which are, by the way, slimmer and LED-treated. It isn’t possible to find out what’s happening with the vehicle in the back, simply, because the testing model hides its actual shape and length with this fake tailgate. So far, at sides of the next-gen Sorento, we only notice repositioned side windows. Instead of today’s A-pillar windows, the successor seems to be placing them on the doors.
This is the first time we see the new Sorento in action, but since the SUV won’t be ready soon, we are pretty sure there will be more spy shots in the coming months, so stay tuned.